It's a transition, that first season of leaving your child somewhere other than home... It felt so odd, after 4 years of home time, two years of it being the intensity of Covid, my daughter and I were So attached, we hadn't hardly spent any time apart when she started to attend Blessing’s. My kiddo was timid, with adults and children, after her experience being mainly home life, the newness of many new folks was a lot for her. At first. And it took awhile. I remember many a dark, wintery morning, the alarm going off and me wondering, is it worth it? Do I even rouse the sleeping wild child and begin the morning of getting ready? But the answer was almost always yes. Because it was what was best for our relationship, it was what she needed and it was clear, even though it took a lot of effort. The time my child spent with Sommer and the children allowed her to find a part of herself she could not discover with her mom or dad, she needed to go be herself amongst her peers, an experience I could not, as an adult provide for her. But I knew, every day I picked her up, how much growth was happening. She was happier, more confident, more aware.... the list goes on. And I was happier!
I had to learn to deal with her discomfort in a new way. I had to relearn how to parent. I was wishy-washy and gave in. I had to learn better boundaries with my child. "When mom is dropping you off with Miss Sommer today she has to go do Mom things", I would say to her. "Do you want me to pick you up at the beginning of the line or the end?" This question gave her autonomy, but going to school wasn't an option. Still, a few mornings there were meltdowns (as there were with her younger brother as well), and as soon as I left, Miss Sommer and her assistants redirected her. And it taught my kiddo she could cope with her big feelings, and that when there is a boundary, Mom sticks. These are lessons we all need. It was though my kiddos blossomed into a more enhanced version of herself after her years at Blessing; she made friendships that she is still tending, she learned how to be around other kids and not always have it her way, and she discovered more about herself, how much she likes animals, how much she likes friends.
I cannot say enough how important it was to have my daughter at this preschool; it no doubt changed the trajectory of her childhood. The capability of being outside, having to manage boundaries, other children, and other adults, all of it was a splendid bouquet that my child needed, and Sommer was able to provide. I'm so very glad we chose this preschool, and I would choose it again every time. The world needs more spaces where children can be children, they are not little adults, they are a completely different being.
-Jessica Spurr
